Understanding KMT Gas Properties Simulation

Understanding KMT – Gas Properties Simulation

Learning Goals: Students will be able to describematterin terms of particle motion. The description should include

• Diagrams to support the description.
• How the particle mass and temperature affect the image.
• The relationship between temperature, volume and pressure with regards to gases.
• How the size and speed of gas particles relate to everyday objects
• What are the differences and similarities between solid, liquid and gas particle motion

1. Go to Click the green “Run Now!” button.

This picture (to the right) should appear on your screen:

1. Pump a few particles of gas into the chamber.

1. For the next 5 minutes become familiar with the sim. Change various features, sliders, buttons, click-and-drag items, etc. While you are exploring, notice how the heat control affects the gas particles.

Next: Click “Reset All” to begin your guided investigation.

1. Make sure the constant parameter is clicked on volume.

1. Click the Light Species on the gas pump.

1. Make sure gravity is set on 0.

Your screen should look like this:

1. In the area under “Gas in Chamber” (top right) add 160 “Light Species” in the gas chamber.

1. Next, under “Tools & Options” click on

“Measurement Tools” and check “Stop Watch”

1. Press “Start” on the timer. Let it run for 10 seconds and then press the Pause button on the simulation.

1. Reset the timer and then press “Start.” Now move the arrow in the “Heat Control” box up until it is

even with add. Hold the arrow in place for 10 seconds and then press the Pause Button on the Simulation.

1. Notice what happens to the Temperature and Range of Pressure. Record the numbers in the chart on your student worksheet. Continue doing this for 50 seconds, stopping every 10 seconds. Be sure to press the Play Button each time and then the “Start” button on the timer.

1. Reset the timer and then press “Start.” Now move the arrow in the “Heat Control” box down until it is

even with remove. Hold the arrow in place for 10 seconds and then press the Pause Button on the

Simulation. Notice what happens to the Temperature and Range of Pressure. Record the numbers in

thedata table on your student worksheet. Continue doing this for 50 seconds, stopping every 10 seconds.

Be sure to press the Play Button each time and then the “Start” button on the timer.

1. Make a prediction:Think about two ways you would make the lid of the container pop off while keeping the volume constant, but being able to manipulate other factors. Record your hypothesis on your student worksheet.

1. Now click the “Reset” Button. Make sure Volume is checked on the constant parameter.Set the gas pump to “Light Species.” Try out your first prediction. Try out your second prediction. Fill in your student worksheet with your results.

1. Reset all parameters. Use the pump to put a little gas into the box.
2. Observe gas particles’ behavior.
3. Pump in some lighter particles (Where it says, “Gas in chamber,” increase “light particles” from 0). Discuss the similarities and differences that you see between heavy and light particles.
4. Use the simulation to see how changing the temperature affects the behavior of the gas particles. (“heat control” – “Add”)

1. How fast do you think the air particles in this room are moving compared to a car going 50 mph (about 22m/s)? Using the simulation, test your idea and give evidence to support or revise your thoughts.